"Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor" (1990) Review

A secret corporation known as Talos has been experimenting on cell samples from outer space. One night, Dr. Michael Foster (George Gerard) accidentally becomes infected and begins to transform into a hideous alien creature. It is now up to the Talos staff to put an end to the carnage before the monster can escape their grasp. 

"Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor" is a 1990 science fiction thriller written and directed by Glenn Takakjian. Starring Tara Leigh (Sherry), Dianna Flaherty (Kim), Katherine Romaine (Dr. Nancy Kane), Marcus Powell (Dr. Viallini), and George Gerard (Dr. Michael Foster), "Metamorphosis" features a cast of mostly unknowns. Distributed by Trimark/Vidmark, the same company that brought us such classics as "Leprechaun" and "Warlock: The Armageddon," this low budget creature flick actually boasts some really cool special effects work. 

Any sci-fi creature feature needs some good special effects to make the main monster believable, but the characters are what will really sell the film to the audience. "Metamorphosis" doesn't exactly hit the mark here, but the central characters in the film have just enough depth to carry the film. Don't get me wrong--there are definitely some moments of bad acting, but that's expected of an early 90s b-movie. 

In particular, Dr. Viallini (Marcus Powell) has this strange wannabe British accent, and it's well...awkward. Brian (Patrick Barnes) is quite bad, and even our lead character Sherry (Tara Leigh) has some cringeworthy lines. My favorite would have to be Sherry's sister Kim (Dianna Flaherty), she's cute and spunky, but is comparable to Tara Leigh in her cheesiness. Honestly, I actually like my sci-fi and horror with extra cheese--so it's a good thing in my book!

Where "Metamorphosis" falters is in its story arc and execution. The film begins in the middle of the action, backtracks, and then catches up with itself. Personally, I don't always enjoy films that use that method, but that's just me. By jumping around in time, the viewer loses track of the story, and can become lost. Secondly, there's a lot of exposition going on in the flashback scenes. I know that it's a bit necessary here, but I just feel there's an easier way to explain the story without bogging the viewer down with jargon and information--show me, don't tell me. 

Additionally, there's a lot of extra time spent on characters wandering the halls of the Talos facility searching for the monster. If the filmmakers had given the creature some sort of motivation, it would have helped give clues as to where it would show up. Instead, the slimy behemoth that was formerly Dr. Foster just appears after a character takes a long stroll down a corridor. There's no actual jump scare either! It literally just shows up!

Finally, and this is just a personal gripe of mine, but I think this film needed to have a couple more aliens eating people. This is something that's only hinted at, and it's a letdown that it wasn't used more prominently in the film.    

Flaws aside, I think "Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor" is a fun b-movie sci-fi flick. I'm slightly partial to it because I can remember watching the trailer way back when I was a kid. You'll have to check your brain at the door with this one, but I really like movies you can just have fun watching. 

A really cool side note: "Metamorphosis" began as the sequel to the cult classic "The Deadly Spawn"!

Good-

• Really cool creature effects
• 90s cheese 

Bad-

• Slightly off story arc and execution
• Some bad acting

  

"Cube Zero" (2004) Review

Taking place before the original film, "Cube Zero" follows a worker who watches over the unfortunate participants inside the cube. When a woman whom he recognizes appears in the cube, he becomes determined to find a way to save her. "Cube Zero" takes a different perspective on things, and manages to emerge as a mildly entertaining film. Let's take a look and see its fresh ideas are able to keep the viewer interested.

Released in 2004, "Cube Zero" is the prequel to 1997's "Cube." Written and directed by Ernie Barbarash, this film attempts to fill in the gaps left empty in the first movie--it's a so-so attempt, but a commendable one. Of the three films, "Cube Zero" lands in second place just below the initial "Cube."

Starring Zachary Bennett (Wynn), David Huband (Dodd), Stephanie Moore (Cassandra Rains), Martin Roach (Haskell), Terri Hawkes (Jellico), and Michael Riley (Jax), "Cube Zero" actually has an alright cast with characters! The screenwriter actually figured out that characters need some dimension to them! The cast isn't amazing, but at least the suspense of "Cube" is back.

The main character, Wynn, is likable enough with coming off as annoying, and his counterpart, Dodd plays off of him well. Rains, Haskell, and Jellico have more conventional roles, but there's more mystery behind them. The weirdest character is Jax, who's sort of a James Bond type of villain. At first, he comes off as being cheesy, but by the end, he's quite entertaining. 

I have to give credit to Ernie Barbarash, who wrote and directed this film. This is a standalone story with nice twists and enough action sequences to move the film along at a fast pace. That's a big thing that was missing from "Cube 2." Moreover, it seems the filmmakers allocated their budget well this time around, the sets are reminiscent of the original, and the traps are very grotesque--that's good! The special effects in the movie actually worked out nicely! 

Sure there's some bad "dream state" visual elements--there's fuzzy lens effects used, but the overall VFX in the film actually look a lot better than both of the previous "Cube" movies. It feels like a higher-end SyFy Channel film with a decent script.

I'd say give "Cube Zero" a watch if you enjoyed the first one. It's definitely not Oscar-worthy or anything, but for a sci-fi thriller fan, it's worth a watch.

It's on NetFlix right now! 

The Good

• Solid story with some surprises
• Good cast with depth
• Cool and fun traps!

The Bad

• Poor VFX for some shots
• Cheesy main villain
• Lazy tie-in to the first "Cube"

"Cube 2: Hypercube" (2002) Review

In the sequel to the original "Cube," 8 strangers wake up confused in a cube without any idea of why they're there. This sounds really familiar... Let me guess, they have to find a way out before it's too late?... Yes! That's exactly it! But wait! They're not trapped in a normal cube, this time it's a HYPERcube. Essentially what that means is, it's a cube with no logic or rules. Parallel universes exist, time and gravity shifts upon entering different rooms--nothing makes sense. That's what's wrong with "Cube 2" it makes absolutely no sense. 

"Cube 2: Hypercube" is a 2002 film written by Sean Hood, Ernie Barbarash, and Lauren McLaughlin and directed by Andrzej Sekula. Sadly, this sequel misses the mark and rehashes the premise of the original film while fumbling through some flimsy new ideas. So does "Cube 2" measure up to the first movie? I think you can tell which way I'm leaning, but let's see!

Starring Kari Matchett (Kate), Grace Lynn Kung (Sasha), Neil Crone (Jerry), Matthew Ferguson (Max), Barbara Gordon (Mrs. Paley), Geraint Wyn Davies (Simon) and Lindsey Connell (Julia), "Cube 2: Hypercube" fails to create a cast that brings something new to the table. Unfortunately, the characters in this film are either typical (Simon), bland (Kate, the main character!) or just plain annoying (Mrs. Paley). While the first film was able to maintain a good amount of tension with a small cast, "Cube 2" features none of the suspense of the original.  

What hurts this sequel so much is the overall story. It seems like the writers were being too ambitious on a low budget, and had to wrap things up abruptly--the story feels unfinished. The acting isn't great, but it wasn't great in the first film either. It's frustrating to me that the mysterious look of the original has been replaced by a sterile and boring aesthetic. Everything looks the same this time around--it's enough to drive the viewer crazy!

From a technical aspect, I suppose the director did an okay job, but some of his shots have some bad framing issues--there's some random closeups. For some reason, there's slow-mo shots and weird grainy effects used which takes the viewer out of the film. 

I think it was a combination of poor screenwriting, sub par acting, boring set design, and lame visual effects that damage "Cube 2" severely.

Did I mention how lackluster the traps in this one?! What a letdown! They don't even show up until almost half way through the movie, and they suck! Yeah, the idea of parallel universes is kind of cool, but at least make the traps interesting.

As you can tell, I was disappointed with "Cube 2: Hypercube." If you enjoyed the first film even a little bit, I would still steer clear of this one.

It's on NetFlix right now, which is right where it belongs! 

The Good-

• Some interesting concepts are introduced

The Bad-

• Lazy screenwriting and story
• Bland and annoying characters
• Lousy visual effects 
• Poor set design

"Cube" (1997) Review

A group of 6 strangers find themselves trapped in a maze of cubes without any reason as to why they have been placed there. In a race against time, they must work together to find their way out before it's too late. 

"Cube" is a 1997 sci-fi thriller film written by Andre Bijelic, Graeme Mason, and Vicenzo Natali, and also directed by Vicenzo Natali. This film was a rental I remember bringing home from the video store way back in the day. "Cube" is an independent film with a humble budget, but its strength lies within its concept and wanting to know what will happen next. How does "Cube" stack up amongst the other thrillers out there? Let's find out!

Starring Maurice Dean Wint (Quentin), Nicole de Boer (Leaven), David Hewlett (Worth), Andrew Miller (Kazan), Nicky Guadagni (Holloway), Wayne Robson (Rennes), and finally Julian Richings (Alderson), "Cube" really relies on its characters to carry the film. Without a large budget, and only a few special effect-filled scenes, without a tight cast, "Cube" would fail miserably. Fortunately, the ensemble cast of characters does a good job at keeping the viewer guessing.

There aren't really many stand-out actors in "Cube," but overall the acting isn't terrible as compared with other low budget features. That's not to say that there isn't some overacting occasionally--all things considered, that's acceptable. The writers managed to set up enough twists and turns in the script to keep the tension up, and that's also another strong point of the film.

"Cube" is a sort of predecessor to "Saw" in some ways, in that the rooms of the cube are sometimes trapped. The traps vary from acid spraying, flame throwing, and also really cool sharp objects to slice up the unwitting victim who steps in. Those scenes are well done, and the visual effects are pretty decent for the film's small budget. It's quite amazing what the filmmakers were able to pull off with just a set of four walls. 

On the more technical side of things, the director succeeds at ramping up the suspense and creating a claustrophobic feel to the film. I would say the editing is acceptable, but nothing too special. There were a few scenes that left some action out that probably should have been left in. Otherwise though, "Cube"'s directing and editing are quite good for an independent movie. 

It's a lesser-known thriller that I think should have gotten more attention upon its release. This is how low budget films should be done. 

If you're into sci-fi thrillers, I would suggest checking this one out! It's on NetFlix right now! 😎

The Good-

• Strong suspense and twists
• Capable cast of characters
• Cool traps
• Good use of budget  

The Bad-

• Some overacting (not much though!)
• The editing is a bit off, but not too bad

Forgive the lack of photos--I don't want to spoil it for you!

"Terminator Salvation" (2009) Review

It is now 2018, 14 years after the event known as Judgment Day, and humanity is struggling to survive against the scheming Skynet and its Terminators. John Connor (Christian Bale) is a member of the human resistance, and finds himself questioning his mother's advice about the future. Connor stumbles upon Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a human/machine hybrid, and must decide whether he is a friend or foe. Moreover, Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin, Rest in Peace 😢) has been captured by Skynet and taken to its headquarters. With no support from his commanding officers, Connor heads to Skynet Central to rescue Kyle Reese in order to save himself and humanity. 

"Terminator Salvation" (Never understood why there's no semicolon) was written by John Brancato and Michael Ferris, and directed by McG. The odds are stacked against this film because James Cameron is again not involved, and "Salvation" departs from the typical car-chase "Terminator" template. Instead, this movie takes place after the events of Judgment Day, and much of the color has been sucked out of the film--literally! But it looks pretty cool. Does "Salvation" succeed on its own as a post-apocalyptic war flick? I would say it falls somewhere in between. 

There are a good amount of cool action sequences to enjoy, and the explosions contrast well against the bleak background. 

Starring, Christian Bale as John Connor, Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright, Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese, and also Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate Connor, "Terminator Salvation" seems to have a good cast to give the movie some weight. A CG Arnie makes a cameo near the end of the film--it's kind of meh.

As far as the acting goes, Bale is just okay as John Connor. Christian Bale just came off of his stint as Batman before taking this role, so for some reason he does his gruff Batman voice. Sam Worthington--fresh off his success with "Avatar"--is pretty good as Marcus Wright. He slips back and forth from his Australian accent to a sort of American accent--it's distracting. Anton Yelchin does an admirable job as Kyle Reese, I thought he was also good in the film. Bryce Dallas Howard doesn't have much to work with here, but she is serviceable here--nothing to write home about--she at least physically resembles Kate Connor from "Terminator 3."

"Terminator Salvation" separates itself from the series by focusing on what happens after Judgment Day, and I really enjoyed that about this movie. Unfortunately, I feel like "Salvation" falters with its choppy editing (in the beginning scenes in particular), and from its character interactions and dialogue. The motivations behind certain characters' actions just seem sketchy, and it make the plot seem really stitched together. It's obvious that there were a lot of rewrites during production, and not to much a butchering by whoever edited this movie. As a result, John Connor is almost a side character, and Marcus Wright takes the spotlight--it's a bit odd.
  

This was one of the last films that Stan Winston and his team did visual effects for, and the movie was later dedicated to his memory. That being said, the effects look excellent in "Salvation," and some of the Terminators seem to have a "Transformers" influence to them. Overall, it's apparent that the VFX team put in a lot of hard work, and this movie looks great because of that.

"Terminator Salvation" is on par with "Terminator 3" in that it makes a solid effort, but unfortunately falls short. The film feels cut and pasted together, and the character choices plague its runtime. It's not entirely a bad movie, but it's a weak entry in the franchise. 

*On a side note, there's a director's cut of this movie, but it doesn't make things any better. There's an extended scene when Connor meets with his commanding officers, some brief nudity, and a bit more violence.*

The Good-

• Very cool look to the film
• Great VFX by Stan Winston and others
• Good cast 

The Bad-

• Riddled with rewrites and too much editing
• Confusing character motivation and decisions
• Sam Worthington's ever-changing accent

  

"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003) Review

Another 10 years have past since Sarah and John Connor's daring fight to prevent Judgment Day, and Skynet has yet to drop bombs on the world. John Connor has disconnected himself from his past (as best as he can), and lives as a vagabond in Los Angeles. As in the previous films, two Terminators are sent back in time, one to protect John, and one to terminate him. It seems we're in for a rerun...or are we?

"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" was written by John Bracato, Michael Ferris, and Tedi Sarafian, amongst others, and is directed by Jonathon Mostow. Immediately, it is apparent that the "Terminator" train is no longer being driven by James Cameron, but there is still some life in this hodgepodge sequel that makes it enjoyable. There's a large pill to swallow for this one, but once it's all digested, "Rise of the Machines" rises to the occasion as a decent stand-alone "Terminator" film. 

Starring, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the iconic Terminator, Nick Stahl as a grownup John Connor, Claire Danes as Katherine Brewster, and finally, Kristanna Loken as the unstoppable TX, "Terminator 3" features a solid cast of both veteran and under-the-radar actors. Earl Boen (Dr. Silberman from the former films) makes a surprise cameo! 

The main draw here would be the return of Arnold Schwarznegger to the franchise, and he's actually quite funny in this film. At face value, Nick Stahl doesn't seem too great as John Connor, but he doesn't do a bad job either. Clare Danes as Katherine Brewster may seem a bit like a miscast ("Romeo + Juliet" 😟), but she pulls through as well. To round out the main cast, Kristanna Loken proves that she can be super creepy and vicious as the TX. 

Much like the previous films, this is strictly an action movie. It's a bare-bones, no frills, car chase flick. Unfortunately, there's nothing underneath all of the explosions, stunts, and effects (which are outstanding), and all of the story elements James Cameron established in "Terminator 2" have been uprooted. I won't get into spoilers, but it's a glaring gap that the viewer just sort of needs to accept. 

Stan Winston and his team does some amazing work on the Terminator effects, too. That's another big reason why the film looks as good as it does. The CGI though, that does look a bit dated now, probably could've used more work. Overall though, the effects in the film are very good, but much of that is because of Winston's effort. 

"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" is a valiant effort made by Jonathon Mostow and his crew, but it honestly pales in comparison to Cameron's original epics. It's still a fun watch, and I had some good laughs with the Arnie one-liners. 

The Good-

• Great action and stunts
• Excellent Terminator effects
• Arnold Schwarznegger as the Terminator
• A capable cast

The Bad-

• Some wonky CGI moments
• The old John Connor make-up 😧
• Missing crucial story elements